Publisher's Synopsis
INTRODUCTION Human beings, and in particular women, feel complete when they have children of their own to love and cherish, thus forming the basic unit of a family. Not being able to procreate has created an unknown psychological pressure on both men and women, as part of the biological urge to advance lineage through progeny. Societal pressures have added to this ancient pivotal need, creating a longing for children that is tied to their self-worth; the inability to have children thus destroys their sense of worth and wellbeing, which has led men and women to seek a variety of remedies, sometimes even extreme measures. Infertility or involuntary childlessness has been considered a bane for families in a social set-up, adversely affecting their relationships, status, and mental health. This study will attempt to understand infertility and reduce the stress associated with it in women with infertility problems. Involuntary childlessness is a threatening issue in a family set-up as it creates an adverse effect or a disparity in mental health. Every culture has come up with solutions for infertility, including altering social relationships (e.g., divorce or adoption), spiritual intervention (e.g., prayer or pilgrimage), or medical intercessions (e.g., taking of herbs or consultation with 'medicine man') (Rosenblatt PC, Peterson P, Portner J, et al., 1973). According to Rosenblatt PC, Peterson P, Portner J, et al., 1973, spiritual and religious remedies are quite common everywhere. However, divorce and separation & adoption become the final alternative. His perspective also directs us to understand the belief in medical aids, the hope of getting a child, and the hope of resolving the problem via social, spiritual, and medicinal remedies. (Rosenblatt PC, Peterson P, Portner J, et al., 1973) In ancient days, there was a strong belief that the cure for infertility was through spiritual and religious inclinations. Countries like India, Ireland, and Greece are classic examples of having a greater leaning towards non-medical aids and supports. In ancient Greece, genitals were made in terracotta and (Lyons AS, Petrocelli RJ, 1987) offered to god with the belief that infertility will be cured. To sum up, spiritual and community-oriented practices were widely accepted and agreed upon forms of workable solution both in the past,
